The United States has warned its citizens to leave Iran as protests against the country’s clerical leadership intensify. In an alert, the US embassy cautioned that displaying a US passport or showing any connection to the United States could lead to questioning, arrest or detention by Iranian authorities.
The advisory said protests across Iran are growing and could turn violent, with reports of arrests and injuries. It also highlighted increased security measures, road closures, disruptions to public transport and internet shutdowns in several areas.
US citizens have been advised to leave Iran without relying on assistance from the US government. Those who remain have been asked to keep a low profile, closely follow local news, avoid demonstrations, and stock up on essential supplies such as food, water and medicines.
The alert also warned US-Iranian dual nationals to exit Iran using an Iranian passport, as Iran does not recognise dual citizenship and treats such individuals solely as Iranian citizens.
According to the advisory, US nationals face a high risk of questioning, arrest and detention in Iran. Even showing a US passport or indicating links to the US could result in detention. “The US government cannot guarantee your safety if you choose to depart using the following options. You should leave only if you believe it is safe to do so,” the alert stated.
The advisory noted that US passport holders can enter Armenia from Iran and stay for up to 180 days. US-Iranian dual nationals entering Türkiye on Iranian or Turkish passports do not require prior approval.
It also reiterated that the US does not have diplomatic or consular relations with Iran, and that the Swiss government, through its embassy in Tehran, acts as the protecting power for US interests.
US citizens seeking to leave via Azerbaijan were cautioned that entry restrictions remain in place for US passport holders travelling from Iran, particularly amid heightened regional tensions. The advisory further warned against travel to Afghanistan, Iraq and the Pakistan-Iran border region.